Pituitary tumours : symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

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PITUITARY TUMOURS

• SYMPTOMS DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT

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INTRODUCTION TO PITUITARY TUMOURS

• Pituitary gland is a very small gland of major
  importance to the functioning of the human body.
• Pituitary gland is located directly behind the
  eyes and below the front of the brain.
• Despite being small in size, the pituitary gland
  is responsible for producing hormones that
  regulate very critical body organs and glands
  including the thyroid gland, the adrenal glands,
  the ovaries, and the testicles.
• Pituitary tumours are abnormal growths that
  develop in your pituitary gland. Some pituitary
  tumours cause excessive production of hormones
  that regulate important functions of your body.

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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PITUITARY TUMOURS

• There are multiple signs and symptoms of
  pituitary tumours including
• Excessive hormones in the blood
• Flushing of the face
• Weak muscles and bones
• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Headache
• Vision loss
• Large hands and feet
• Breast milk even if not pregnant
• Lack of milk when breastfeeding

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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PITUITARY TUMOURS

• Lower sex drive
• Impotence
• Loss of body hair
• Delayed sexual development and growth in children
• Weight gain
• Bruising easily
• Irritability, anxiety, depression
• Nausea, vomiting
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Runny nose due to cerebrospinal fluid leaking
  into the nose

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DIAGNOSIS OF PITUITARY TUMOURS

• If your doctor suspects a pituitary tumour,
  he/she may want you to undergo the following
  tests in order to diagnose a pituitary tumour
  properly 
• Blood and urine tests Testing of your blood and
  urine can determine whether you have an
  inadequate production of hormones.
• Brain imaging A computerized tomography (CT) or
  magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of your
  brain can help your doctor determine the location
  and size of a pituitary tumour.
• Vision testing This test enables the doctor to
  know whether a pituitary tumour has impaired your
  sight or peripheral vision.

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TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PITUITARY TUMOURS 

• Surgical removal of a pituitary tumour usually is
  necessary if the tumour is pressing on the optic
  nerves, which can cause loss of vision, or if the
  tumour is over-producing certain hormones.
• Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to
  destroy tumours. It can be used after surgery or
  alone as primary treatment if surgery isnt an
  option. Radiation therapy is useful if a tumour
  returns after surgery and causes signs and
  symptoms that medications dont relieve.

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TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PITUITARY TUMOURS 

• Some prolactin-secreting tumours can be treated
  with a drug treatment that reduces the production
  of prolactin. These drugs include bromocriptin
  and cabergoline.
• Hormone replacement therapy is often necessary
  for patients with a pituitary tumour when the
  gland is not making enough of a hormone due to
  the disease.
• Watchful waiting may be particularly appropriate
  if you're older or in poor health. Many people
  with pituitary tumours function normally without
  treatment if the tumour isnt causing other
  problems.

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